Repeal of Section 28 in Scotland

June 21st, 2000

June 21st, 2000

Repeal of Section 28 in Scotland
How Long Ago?

24 years, 8 months, 22 days ago

Location

Scotland

Category

Social Movements & Civil Rights

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Repeal of Section 28 in Scotland

The Scottish parliament voted overwhelmingly to repeal Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which prohibited the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities. The vote, held in Edinburgh, saw 99 members in favor and only 17 against the repeal. This legislative change marked a significant shift in the legal landscape concerning LGBTQ+ rights in Scotland, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards homosexuality and the importance of inclusivity in local governance.

Section 28 was part of Local Government Act 1988.

The Scottish Parliament repealed it with a 99-17 vote.

The prohibition affected local authority policies.

The repeal reflected changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+.

What Happened?

Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was enacted under the government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, primarily as a response to rising LGBTQ+ activism. It stipulated that a local authority should not 'promote homosexuality' or 'teach in any maintained school the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.' This clause was widely criticized for stifling the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and preventing proper education about sexual orientation in schools. The sustained pressure from activists, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s, contributed to a growing public discourse around equality and human rights for LGBTQ+ communities. On June 21, 2000, the Scottish Parliament, newly established in 1999, voted to repeal this controversial legislation. The debate was vigorous, reflecting a shift in public opinion and a commitment from many Scottish politicians to promote equality. With 99 votes in favor and only 17 against, the successful repeal represented both a political victory and a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ rights in Scotland, signaling greater acceptance and the ambition to build an inclusive society.

Why Does it Matter?

The repeal of Section 28 is interesting as it demonstrated a significant cultural and political shift in Scotland regarding LGBTQ+ rights. It illustrated the effectiveness of grassroots advocacy and political engagement, leading to changes in public policy. This legislative change not only marked a milestone in the progress of civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community but also encouraged other regions in the UK to reflect on similar legislation and attitudes.

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